The UK’s longest-serving soap star, Patricia Greene, has died at the age of 94.
Greene is best known for her nearly 70-year portrayal of Jill Archer on BBC Radio 4’s The Archers.
Greene joined the cast in 1957, and her performance as Jill Archer made her a household name and a symbol of stability in British broadcasting.
UK’s longest-serving soap star, Patricia Greene, dies aged 94
Greene's death was announced on BBC Radio 4 earlier today.
In a statement, BBC Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya praised Greene's "outstanding" contribution to the soap over the past 70 years, noting that she had been a "constant companion" in the lives of BBC Radio 4 listeners.
Editor of The Archers, Jeremy Howe, speaking to Digital Spy, added: "Paddy was utterly singular, a fabulous and raucously funny raconteur, and like the best actors when on mic you were never quite sure how she would play a scene, but you knew she would play it brilliantly."
"Her portrayal of Jill was formidable, but also wonderfully warm, loving, and enormous fun.
"It was an incredible privilege to work with her, and she will be greatly missed by all of us within the production team, as well as by millions of Archers listeners."
Born in Derby, Greene originally planned to become a schoolteacher, but poor Latin exam results led her down a different path.
She worked as a ward orderly at a children’s hospital before discovering a passion for amateur dramatics.
With encouragement from a former headmistress, she earned a place at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London.
Despite being told by tutors that she would "never broadcast," Greene defied expectations and secured the role of Jill Archer in 1957.
Over the decades, her character became a cornerstone of Ambridge life, and her marriage to Phil Archer became one of the longest-running relationships in British soap history.
Greene’s career extended beyond The Archers, with appearances in TV series such as Crossroads, Doctors, and Casualty.
She also worked in repertory theatre, touring in both Shakespearean and contemporary plays.
Her contributions to radio drama were recognised with an MBE in 2007.
What was your favourite Jill Archer moment? Let us know in the comments below.
